Pep Guardiola has praised Manchester City's Joe Hart for taking his Premier League omission like a man.

The England international was left out of the line-up for Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland with Willy Caballero preferred between the sticks.

There has been much written and spoken regarding Hart's future at the Etihad Stadium, especially with rumours indicating that Claudio Bravo is set to join from Barcelona, but the City boss could only speak positively of the out-of-favour 29-year-old for the way he has handled the situation.

"Since I am manager of Manchester City, from the time we were together with Joe, it was perfect - his behaviour, his training sessions, on the pitch, off the pitch," said Guardiola.

"He is a big professional."

Hart has travelled with the City squad to Romania for Tuesday night's Champions League play-off first round clash with Steaua Bucharest.